Field Management in the Summer: Tools and Products to Make It Easier
From fencing to water, here’s how to keep your field safe, stress-free, and horse-friendly this season.
Summer grazing can be a real asset to horse owners — longer days, plenty of turnout time, and reduced mucking out. But with warmer weather comes increased pressure on your paddocks. Managing your fields well through the summer means ensuring good grazing, clean water, safe boundaries, and a routine that works for both horses and humans.
Electric Fencing: Flexible Boundaries That Work
Electric fencing is a staple for many horse owners in summer. It’s perfect for creating temporary paddocks, strip grazing areas, or sectioning off damaged or resting ground. With grass growth slowing and the risk of laminitis increasing, managing access to grazing is especially important this time of year.
Electric fencing also provides a safe barrier against pushing and rubbing — common when flies are irritating or horses become playful. It’s easy to install and reposition as needed, giving you full control over how your field is used.
Water Troughs & Field Hydration
Horses drink significantly more in summer, so reliable access to fresh water is essential. Whether you're using static troughs, automatic drinkers, or mobile water containers, the key is keeping water clean, shaded if possible, and topped up regularly.
In smaller paddocks, a portable bucket might be easiest to manage. In larger fields or permanent turnout, automatic refill systems save time and reduce the risk of buckets running dry. Don’t forget to check for algae build-up and scrub troughs with an appropriate scrubbing brush — warm weather speeds up the growth of bacteria.
Field Maintenance: Tools That Make a Difference
Good field management isn’t just about fencing and water — it’s also about looking after the ground itself. Healthy paddocks reduce the risk of injury, support better grazing, and keep the environment safer for both horses and humans.
Regular poo picking is essential during all seasons, however especially in summer, when the weather encourages fly activity. Removing droppings frequently helps reduce parasites and keeps your grazing cleaner for longer. A good-quality poop scoop or paddock cleaner saves time and strain on your back.
If your field is used heavily, consider resting sections to allow grass to recover. Using electric fencing to rotate grazing can help maintain healthier swards. During dry spells, worn areas may become dusty or bare, so levelling ground with a harrow and addressing any muddy patches or holes can prevent accidents and support regrowth.
Keeping on top of ragwort is a key part of summer field maintenance. It’s highly toxic to horses — even in small amounts — and once it takes hold, it can be tricky to control. The best approach is early removal using a ragwort fork, which helps you lift the plant out cleanly, roots and all. For larger areas or persistent growth, a targeted ragwort spray can help manage the spread. Regular checks and consistent control make a big difference in keeping your paddocks safe and grazing-friendly.
Plan Ahead, Stress Less
Keeping your turnout areas in good shape takes effort, but with the right products and a bit of forward planning, it becomes far more manageable. Whether you’re juggling multiple horses, managing laminitis risks, or just trying to keep fields from turning into dust bowls, investing in practical field gear now can save you hours of work later.
